Dwelling to Japan’s most pristine pure landscapes and abundance of wildlife, Shiretoko Peninsula is the nation’s reply for off-the-beaten-track journey.
Situated on the far northeastern tip of Hokkaido, the peninsula juts out into the Sea of Okhotsk with a spectacularly wild distinction of mountains and coast.
The northern half of the peninsula is dominated by the Shiretoko Nationwide Park. It’s certainly one of six nationwide parks on the island, filled with breathtaking surroundings, endangered species like brown bears, and numerous outside actions.
Nearly untouched by infrastructure and with strictly managed visitors, the nationwide park is brimming with a vibrant ecosystem and well-protected biodiversity. Since 2005, it’s been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website for its pure magnificence and irreplaceable ecology.
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As one of many high points of interest of Hokkaido, the Shiretoko Peninsula is a singular vacation spot value visiting for anybody trying to expertise a totally wild facet of Japan. We have been fortunate sufficient to spend a few days right here throughout our current go to to Japan, and it was, arguably, certainly one of our high experiences!
From the most effective mountaineering trails to sightseeing boats, we share the finest issues to do on the Shiretoko Peninsula that will help you plan your individual journey to this distant area.
Shiretoko Nationwide Park
The right way to Get To/Round Shiretoko Peninsula
Shiretoko Peninsula is positioned within the far east of Hokkaido. The distant location of the peninsula means public transport is extraordinarily restricted, making it an excellent vacation spot for a highway.
The peninsula is positioned round 450 km (280 miles) from Sapporo or a 6-7 hour drive.
The primary airport of Hokkaido is the New Chitose Worldwide Airport (CTS), positioned about an hour’s drive from downtown Sapporo. From there, you’ll be able to both lease a automotive or use public transport to achieve Shiretoko Peninsula.
By Prepare
When you want to journey by public transport, it’s nonetheless potential to achieve Shiretoko by prepare/bus.
The closest railway station is JR Shiretoko Shari Station within the centre of Shari City, about 40 kilometres southwest of Shiretoko Nationwide Park. Shiretoko Shari Station could be reached in 40 minutes from Abashiri (round 1000 yen) or in about 2.5 hours from Kushiro (round 3200 yen) by rare trains.
By Bus
Shiretoko Shari Station is related with Utoro by rare buses (round 1 hour and 1650 yen). Throughout the principle summer time season, from April to October, some buses proceed from Utoro through the Shiretoko Nature Heart to the Shiretoko 5 Lakes.
For funds travellers, in a single day buses function every day between Sapporo and Utoro. The one-way journey takes eight hours and prices round 8500 yen.
The roads round Hokkaido are effectively maintained and straightforward to navigate
Finest Time to Go to Shiretoko Peninsula
The great thing about Shiretoko Peninsula modifications with the seasons.
Spring and Autumn are thought-about the most effective occasions for visiting the peninsula, with delicate climate and vibrant flora. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate cooler temperatures than inland Hokkaido, so make sure you pack loads of layers, rain gear, and durable footwear.
Summer time affords hotter climate and coincides with peak bear exercise time, so guides are required on a few of the nature trails for security.
Winter would possibly appear to be a chilly and depressing time to discover the outside, however it’s simply the most effective time to witness the uncommon spectacle of floating sea ice. That is the most effective time for guided drift ice walks and cruises till early April, in addition to snowshoeing and winter mountaineering.
Shiretoko Nationwide Park from above
Finest Issues to Do in Shiretoko Peninsula
Shiretoko Peninsula is a dream for nature lovers and outside lovers. There’s a lot to maintain you busy for days, regardless of the season, from mountaineering to whale watching excursions. Listed here are the most effective issues to do in Shiretoko Peninsula:
1. Climbing in Shiretoko Nationwide Park
Overlaying almost 390 sq. km of rugged coastal panorama, Shiretoko Nationwide Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Website for its pure setting and various wildlife. From steep cliffs to waterfalls, it’s the spotlight of the peninsula.
Exploring on foot is the easiest way to stand up shut and private with nature, as the park lacks main infrastructure and roads. In the course of the hotter months, mountaineering is a well-liked exercise within the park. You possibly can nonetheless discover within the winter however will want to take action in snowshoes.
Probably the most well-known hike is the Shiretoko 5 Lakes path, exploring 5 small lakes shaped way back by Mount Io volcano. You possibly can comply with the brief boardwalk round Shiretoko Goko lakes, that are accessible to all, or the longer forest path, the place you would possibly spot a brown bear in the summertime months.
For one more brief stroll, the two km path to the Furepe-no-Taki Falls begins on the Shiretoko Nationwide Park Nature Centre. Or, for these up for a problem, the Iwaobetsu Path is a 12 km hike resulting in the very best level of the Shiretoko Mountain Vary, the highest of Mt. Rausu.
Lovely Shiretoko!
Max taking a photograph of this unbelievable view at Shiretoko Nationwide Park
2. Be part of a Bear-Watching Cruise to Spot Brown Bears
Recognized for its plentiful brown bear inhabitants, a implausible method of recognizing them is on a Bear Watching Cruise. These excursions function from late April till late October by the Shiretoko Sightseeing Ship, MS Aurora.
They provide three totally different routes ranging from Utoro, starting from 1 to three hours, with the longest possibility making all of it the way in which to the higher reaches of Cape Shiretoko. It affords the possibility to see not solely bears but additionally seals, many species of birds, and coastal waterfalls.
Bear noticed at Shiretoko Nationwide Park
3. Drive Down Shiretoko Cross
Shiretoko Cross connects Utoro, on the western coast of the peninsula, with Rausu on the east coast of the peninsula. This 30 km (18.6 mi) scenic highway is open from late April to early November, and closed on account of snowfall within the winter.
Cease off on the facet of the highway for unbelievable views of Lake Rausu, Mount Rausu, and the rugged panorama of the Shiretoko Mountain Vary.
Shiretoko Cross, en path to Rausu
4. Discover Rausu City
The small fishing village of Rausu on the peninsula’s east coast is value exploring. Seize lunch at one of many eating places and take a look at the retailers promoting quite a lot of native produce, akin to dried fish, kelp, and different distinctive gadgets.
Rausu can be the place whale-watching excursions and different cruises depart to discover the marine ecosystem.
5. Be part of a Whale Watching Tour
In the summertime months, the open sea round Shiretoko is teeming with marine mammals. As soon as the drift ice melts, species akin to sperm whales, minke whales and killer whales populate the Nemuro Strait, in search of meals sources.
The easiest way to see the whales is on a whale-watching tour from Rausu city. It’s generally known as one of many uncommon locations on earth the place you’ll be able to observe sperm whales up shut.
Whale watching off the coast of Shiretoko
6. Go on a Drift Ice Cruise
If you’re visiting the Shiretoko space in winter, swap the whale-watching excursions for a Winter Drift Ice Cruise to see the ocean coated in ice floes.
Departing from Rausu, the Aruran III heads out onto the Okhotsk Sea up the northeast coast the place you’ll have an opportunity to see quite a lot of seals and seabirds on the floating ice.
The late winter months are the most effective time to see uncommon hen species, such because the Blakiston’s fish owl, Steller’s sea eagle, and white-tailed sea eagles. In early spring, you’ll additionally have the ability to see totally different seals, such because the noticed seal and ribbon seal and even uncommon Steller sea lions.
7. Go to Oshinkoshin Falls
Oshinkoshin Falls stands round 80m (262.5 ft) tall and is commonly thought-about certainly one of Japan’s finest waterfalls. Situated on the peninsula’s west coast, simply south of Utoro, this waterfall is thought domestically as “Sobi no Taki”, which means twin beauties, because the stream is visibly cut up into two.
You possibly can take the steps to the highest viewing platform, the place you’re only a few meters again from the water. There’s a free automotive park, public bathrooms and a memento store positioned on the backside.
8. See Oronko Rock and Godzilla Rock
Utoro is the most important city on the west facet of the peninsula. Dwelling to some pure landmarks, this picturesque fishing village is the place folks base themselves whereas exploring the Shiretoko Nationwide Park.
Oronko Rock is unimaginable to overlook, rising 60 meters (197 ft) above sea stage beside the harbour. A small path and stairs result in the highest for spectacular views of the village and coast.
You too can go to Godzilla Rock, a picturesque rock island formation across the tip of Cape Utoro.
9. Soak within the Scorching Springs
Shiretoko Peninsula is dwelling to a number of pure sizzling spring areas. For a totally uncooked expertise, head to Kamuiwakka Scorching Falls, about 24 km (15 mi) north of Utoro city. From the car parking zone, it requires a scramble up the river to achieve the primary waterfalls with heat swimming pools at their base good for soaking your ft.
It’s additionally frequent to identify brown bears and sika deer across the space, so be looking out as you stroll. The falls are closed from November till as late as June on account of snowfall.
Shiretoko Peninsula seaside onsen
The place to Eat: Finest Eating places in Shiretoko Peninsula
There are a selection of eating places within the city of Utoro, many are opened for lunch and dinner, with breakfast normally obtainable at your resort.
Namishibuki: Situated simply outdoors of Utoro on the west coast, this highly-rated ramen restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The spotlight on the menu is Shio ramen, a transparent hen broth soup full of greens and meat.
Chiba Retailer 三代目 千葉商店: Situated in Utoro city, this small native restaurant is underrated for conventional Japanese meals. Attempt the karaage (fried hen), venison croquettes, or seafood bowl.
Kitachan: One other small, nondescript place, this restaurant is positioned again from the harbour in Utoro. Open for dinner solely, it’s recognized for its meat dishes akin to ribs, loin, offal, and sausages.
Shiokaze: Proper subsequent door to Kitachan, this vibrant and pleasant restaurant has good worth set meals that may fill you up, or order any of the recent seafood dishes that come straight from the harbour.
Kaiseki dinner
Meals at Kifu Resort in Shiretoko
The place to Keep: Finest Lodges in Shiretoko Peninsula
Most individuals base themselves in Utoro, the place you’ll discover a vary of excellent high quality motels and lodging.
Resort Kifu Membership Shiretoko: We stayed at this nice little family-owned resort set throughout from the coast on the principle highway in Utoro. The resort affords a combination of conventional Japanese and extra trendy Western-style rooms with sea views. Plus, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a personal onsite onsen and an exquisite tempura kaiseki meal on the restaurant.
Kitakobushi Shiretoko Resort and Resort: Definitely one of many extra snug choices on the town, this sizzling spring resort affords a variety of beautiful suites that includes wooden fires, open-air baths, and sea-view balconies. There’s an onsite sauna, onsen, and a reside restaurant cooking recent elements from the world.
Lovely sundown outdoors of Resort Kifu Membership in Shiretoko
The Backside Line
Showcasing a few of Japan’s solely really wild locations left, the Shiretoko Peninsula is an underrated vacation spot on Hokkaido Island.
It’s value taking a while to discover both on foot or by boat, as you see a brown bear within the wild, whales off the japanese coast in summer time, or drift ice within the chilly winter.
In our opinion, any Japan journey itinerary ought to embody a visit to Shiretoko Nationwide Park.